The talkshow host has taken part in BBC1′s Who Do You Think You Are? show, in which famous faces trace their family tree.

And he tells programme-makers he will always owe a debt of gratitude to World War II allied forces for liberating Germany.

Springer said: “Britain saved my parents’ life. They were real Anglophiles. I’m an American, but I have a phenomenal love for this country. I’m always looking for work here – not because I need a job, but because I’m looking for an excuse to come here. I’ll always be grateful – Churchill is a human god, and I wouldn’t be here talking to you if it wasn’t for him.”

Springer’s edition of Who Do You Think You Are? is due to be broadcast on Wednesday.